England Hockey

Women’s Conference East

Chelmsford put on a stylish and confident display to comfortably win this last home game of the season. Knowing that a win could keep their title hopes open, Chelmsford took to the task with a determination that entirely stifled any real threat from Dereham.

In the early minutes of the game, Chelmsford’s forwards Beth Wild and Loren Sherer were tearing apart the Dereham defence and a controlled run down the right side by Sherer was completed with a square ball into the D that Kat Hales swept first time into the net.

Dereham made life difficult by packing the D with their defence but sustained Chelmsford pressure resulted in a Chelmsford short corner midway through the half.

Jess Ecott’s bullet strike took the lead to 2-0 but despite continued pressure from Chelmsford this was also the score at the half time break.

Chelmsford’s captain, Marie Kirkham, ensured the team kept the tempo up as the second half progressed. More short corners came Chelmsford’s way but an open play move saw Sherer pick up the ball just outside the D and dart past the first defender to strike a reverse stick shot goalwards.

Kat Hales finished off the move with a short-range knock into goal. Just three minutes later Hales was in support of Beth Wild and again close in to goal, slotted Wild’s cross into the net for a deserved 4-0 lead and a hat-trick for the Chelmsford forward.

The whole Chelmsford team were now committed to pressing forward and several goal attempts went close. As Dereham’s defence became stretched a desperate tackle saw a penalty stroke awarded against them.

Sarah Bolton’s power flick, shot into the corner of the goal, gave Chelmsford a 5-0 lead. With virtually all the activity in the Dereham half, Chelmsford played out the remainder of the match without conceding.

Chelmsford’s last game is away to Harleston Magpies on Saturday, March 26 starting at 2pm.

Results elsewhere mean that Chelmsford are unable to win the league but the Magpies game gives them the opportunity of finishing the season in runners-up position.